As appliances become less and less repairable, it is always pleasant for companies to build appliances with a view to sustainability. After all, repairing the machine you already own will always be more environmentally friendly than buying a new one. Framework is a hardware startup, founded by former Oculus engineer Nirav Patel, who wants to take the Fairphone model and bring it to laptops, even with a screwdriver in the box.
Today, the company announces its first product, the Framework laptop, a 13.5-inch notebook with a number of modular parts. The idea is that users can swap multiple components when they break down, or upgrade them when the technology moves on. Recoverable laptops are not a new invention right now, but the focus on this seems to be as beginner-friendly as it could possibly be.
The Framework laptop packs a 13.5-inch, 2,256 x 1,504 3: 2 screen hidden behind a series of magnetic rings, making it easy to replace. It also includes a 1080p, 60fps webcam with a hardware privacy switch and a 1.5mm keyboard keyboard. As for the chip, you have the option to choose a quad-core 11th generation Intel Core CPU, along with WiFi 6, up to 64GB DDR4 and up to 4TB Gen4 NVME SSD storage.
Almost all the components of the machine, including the screen, battery, keyboard and monitor screens, are replaceable. Inside you will also notice that the SSDs, memory and WiFi modules all use socket connections; the only thing that is not is the CPU. To upgrade, you must remove and return the mainboard, newer versions of which are available at Framework’s Store when new chip options arrive.
Patel said each module “uses a single label connector”, and most of them have “pull clamps to handle it easily”. He added that the main board itself of the components that can be replaced is the only problematic as you have to connect everything before removing it. But, he added, it would be a very rare event to tear the heart of the machine.
Of course, there is always the idea that it is an eat-your-vegetables situation, with low specifications and awkward performances, when people discuss recovery. Patel says this is not the situation here and says he wants to meet or defeat the ThinkPad T, Surface Laptop and XPS 13.
Framework
One of the more interesting elements of Framework’s view is how the company handles the ports that run on both sides of the machine. Instead of correcting the port choice and running the risk of aging, the company built what he calls ‘expansion cards’. These are small boxes with the option to add a USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, MicroSD, an extra SSD or a discrete headphone amplifier to the chassis. To make these expansion cards universal, the company built USB-C ports directly on the mainboard of the laptop. To make it broadly more like dongles than real hardware ports.
Aside from the promise of easily upgrading and repairing the laptop, Framework also burns its other environmental evidence. It says the machine is made from up to 50 percent recycled aluminum and up to 30 percent recycled plastic. Oh yes, and the packaging is recyclable, without plastic for single use, and all shipments are carbon offset.
The Framework laptop will start delivering at a yet unspecified price sometime this summer, though Patel said buyers will not pay a long-life premium. Instead, the hardware will “match other well-rated notebooks with similar silicone.” Users can opt for a number of preset models using Windows 10 Home or Pro while a DIY edition is disassembled and sent to you.